TNAG-0617-FCO40-765-Strength-and-cost-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 165

b. SEATO: we continue to be a party to the Manila Pact.

The South East Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) will be

wound up by June this year, but the Treaty itself will remain

in being [SEAD]

c. Korea: there is a small British element in the UN Honour

Guard [FED]

d. Hong Kong: [HKD]

e. Brunei: [SEAD]

f. CENTO: as we announced following the Defence Review, we

retain our membership of CENTO. [MED]

g. Oman/Masirah/Salalah: the RAF presence will be withdrawn

from the staging post at Masirah and from Salalah by the end

of next month. [MED]

h. Diego Garcia: as the House knows, HMG have agreed to the

controlled expansion of the US Naval facility on Diego Garcia. The expansion is justified by the legitimate interest which

we and other western nations have in the stability of the Indian Ocean area, and particularly in the security of the major trade routes. [EAD]

AID

Questions on this aspect of our policy East of Suez should be addressed to my Right Hon Friend the Minister for Overseas Develop-

ment.

ARMS SALES

We consider most carefully the implications of arms sales according to circumstances in particular regions and in particular countries.

[If pressed about sales to a particular country: That is a separate question]

MILITARY ASSISTANCE (TRAINING)

Servicemen from a number of countries East of Suez attend courses in British Service establishments.

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